The AgroFusion Festival 2.0 drew over 5,000 attendees on October 11th and 12th, 2024, at Jubilee Park, Koforidua, doubling last year’s numbers. Renowned TV3 broadcast journalist Crystal Kwame Aryee hosted the much-anticipated event. The vibrant festival celebrated agriculture and Agricultural Technical and Vocational Education and Training (ATVET) through a dynamic two-day program. Highlights included a summit, book launch, Young Innovators awards, and an exhibition showcasing the talents of young agripreneurs. The festival ended on a high note with thrilling performances from several notable artists, adding a special entertainment flair to the event.
Ghana Grows Program
The festival forms part of the Ghana Grows Program, an initiative led by the Mastercard Foundation in partnership with the Springboard Road Show Foundation. This program aims to inspire young Ghanaians aged 15 to 35, including those with disabilities, to explore career opportunities in agriculture, agribusiness, and ATVET. By focusing on innovation and entrepreneurship in the agricultural sector, the Ghana Grows initiative drives meaningful change and economic empowerment among the youth, encouraging them to view agriculture as a viable and rewarding career path.
Summit Highlights
A key highlight of the festival was the summit, which brought together influential industry players, including representatives from the Federation of Associations of Ghanaian Exporters (FAGE) and the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA). During the summit, participants had the opportunity to learn from these experts about improving their skills and leveraging opportunities in the agricultural sector. The speakers provided valuable insights on how young entrepreneurs can achieve success by tapping into the growing opportunities within Ghana’s agricultural landscape.
Book Launch
Following the summit, the festival also hosted the launch of the book Changing Narratives, a collection of 200 inspiring stories from across the agricultural and ATVET sectors. The book, aimed at promoting diverse career opportunities in agriculture, was unveiled through a creative performance by Meraki Arts, one of the program’s partners. During the closing remarks, Felix Baidoo, the Lead Country Program Communications for the Mastercard Foundation, emphasized the organization’s commitment to empowering African youth. He stated,
“We are committed to enabling young people and their voices as well as their agency, demonstrating that young Africans have what it takes to lead and not just follow.”
Young Innovators Awards
The awards segment of the festival was another significant moment, where 10 finalists were celebrated for their innovations in agriculture. Three of the finalists received a citation, a plaque, and a prize of 15,000 Ghana cedis, along with an all-expenses-paid trip to Kenya to connect with other agripreneurs. The remaining finalists were awarded citations, plaques, and 5,000 Ghana cedis each. Expressing her gratitude, Mrs. Comfort Ocran, Executive Director of the Springboard Road Show Foundation, praised the Mastercard Foundation’s dedication to youth empowerment. She remarked,
“The young people in the Ghana Grows program couldn’t have achieved these significant feats without the unyielding commitment of the Mastercard Foundation.”
Artists Performances: Music, Art, and the Spirit of Celebration
The festival wrapped up with an unforgettable night of entertainment, as musical artists including Dope Nation, Lasmid, Kuami Eugene, and others took the stage to deliver electrifying performances. Dance groups like DWP Academy also wowed the crowd with stunning choreography.
For those who missed the live event, there’s still a chance to experience the excitement. You can catch the full event online and relive the joy and inspiration of AgroFusion Festival 2.0 by watching it on YouTube.